Counselors

Resources

Clemson University values the work high school counselors do in challenging students. We want to give you the tools you need to help your college-bound students learn about this University and have the information needed when applying. If you don’t find something here you need, please call the Office of Admissions at 864-656-2287.

Counselor Breakfasts

Throughout the Fall, our admissions counselors and an admissions director travel around South Carolina meeting with high school guidance counselors and answering their questions about Clemson University. By partnering with University of South Carolina and the College of Charleston, these breakfasts are a one-stop-shop for higher ed in the Palmetto State. We provide the most up-to-date statistical information at these informal gatherings, in addition to other important admissions details. Our goal is to give guidance counselors all the tools they need to help prospective college students make an informed decision about pursuing higher education in state.

High School Prerequisites for Clemson Freshmen

Most students accepted to Clemson have taken college preparatory programs in high school. Clemson recommends applicants for freshman admission to complete the following high school courses.

English — 4 credits

All four courses must have strong grammar and composition components with at least one English literature and at least one American literature. College preparatory English I, II, III and IV will meet these requirements.

Mathematics — 3 credits

These include algebra I (for which applied mathematics I and II might count together as a substitute if a student successfully completes algebra II), algebra II and geometry.

Laboratory Science — 3 credits

Two must be selected from biology I, chemistry I or physics I. Physical science does not typically count as a lab science.

Foreign Language — 3 credits

All credits must be earned in the same language.

Students who have completed fewer than three credits of the same foreign language are still encouraged to apply. Any documentation provided by the high school guidance staff explaining the reason(s) this requirement could not be fulfilled will be considered when reviewing the student’s application.

Social Sciences — 3 credits

American history is required. A half credit of government and a half credit of economics are also recommended.

Other — 2 credits

One of these must be a fourth year of mathematics, laboratory science or foreign language. Students interested in engineering are strongly encouraged to take a fourth year of mathematics. This course should be selected from precalculus, calculus, statistics or discrete mathematics. The second credit must be in advanced mathematics, computer science or a combination of these; or one unit of world history, world geography or Western civilization.

Physical Education/ROTC — 1 credit

Fine Arts — 1 credit

One unit in appreciation of, history of, or performance in one of the fine arts.

Special Study Options Available at Clemson

Additional Information

The student’s application process should include the student’s online application and application fee, the student’s official transcript and official test scores from the testing centers. The official high school transcript can be sent electronically through electronic transcript services (such as Parchment) or mailed in a sealed envelope to the following address:

While not normally recommended for new freshmen, a few Clemson departments accept credit for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject matter examinations; however, CLEP general examinations are not recognized. CLEP was designed primarily for adults with nontraditional learning experiences. See the Undergraduate Catalog for more information.

Scholarship award amounts and eligibility criteria vary widely. All accepted entering freshmen who have their admissions application complete by the end of December will be given primary consideration for University-administered scholarships for which they may be eligible. Learn more about Clemson’s scholarships as administered through the Office of Financial Aid.

Clemson University’s FAFSA code is 003425. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information on completing financial aid forms.